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IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT, IMPORTANT!!!!

Please listen to Dr. Michael Gannon who is considered "The Dean of Florida Historians" describe his support of empirical research results, which suggest that Don Juan Ponce de León's first Florida landing occurred in Melbourne Beach. Moreover, Dr. Gannon asserts that Dr. Eugene Lyon "Florida's leading Maritime Historian" also supports and validates the empirical research findings of former US Air Force Lt. Colonel, Independent Maritime Historian and Ocean Navigator, Douglas T. Peck. This speech was recorded at the October 1, 2012 Viva Florida 500 Partnership Conference in Jacksonville, FL.

In 1990, former US Air Force Lt. Colonel, Independent Maritime Historian and Ocean Navigator Douglas T. Peck reenacted the 1513 Voyage of the Discovery of Florida. The aim of his empirical research voyage was to verify the location of Juan Ponce de León's first Florida landing. He started out by studying a copy of the Juan Ponce de León's original maritime log transcribed by Spanish Historian Antonio de Herrera. After intensive study, he found and corrected some map coordinates and all of the latitudes, which were incorrect by two degrees to the North. His next move was to build a vessel similar to the one used by Juan Ponce de León, which he named the “Gooney Bird”. Lastly, he used both to reenact the 1513 Voyage of the Discovery of Florida. His empirical research results provide evidence, which suggest that Juan Ponce de León's first Florida landing occurred in Melbourne Beach.

Through our partnership with Mr. Peck, and with the perseverance of members and volunteers of UTB United Third Bridge, Inc., Royal Order of Juan Ponce de León, and the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, after 12 years of our efforts being ignored and at times, having stones placed in our path, we can finally show the world that Melbourne Beach is rightfully "The First Landing".

It is our fervent hope that recognition of the historical significance of Brevard County and Melbourne Beach as the site of "The First Landing" will now be given, and that the support of the local government, media and the community will follow accordingly.

See how, in 15 minutes, he authoritatively answers:

Was Don Juan Ponce de León the first European to "discover" Florida?
Was Don Juan Ponce de León looking for a "Fountain of Youth"?
Did Don Juan Ponce de León give Florida its name?
Where did Don Juan Ponce de León land on our peninsula in 1513?